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Traci Sanders: On Indie Publishing

Traci Sanders is a multi-genre, multi-award-winning author of ten published titles, with contributions to three anthologies. An avid blogger and supporter of Indie authors, she writes parenting, children’s, romance, and nonfiction guides.

Her ultimate goal is to provide great stories and quality content for dedicated readers, whether through her own writing or editing works by other authors.

TIP 289: Ten ways authors can strengthen the Indie industry

As a mom, I’ve reprimanded my children several times for “making me (our family) look bad” through inappropriate behavior, or even through inappropriate attire for a certain occasion. It’s my job to make sure my children understand how to dress and behave properly to reflect our (mine and my husband’s) standards as a family unit.

The Indie publishing industry is a family—of sorts—as well. Each author must do his or her part to strengthen the industry and uphold its reputation of excellence. In other words, we must each do our part to “make our family look good.”

Here are ten ways to help strengthen the Indie publishing industry:

Support your fellow Indie authors. I don’t mean you have to buy and read only Indie books, but do try to share their promos and events, and add a few of their books to your TBR list in addition to your classic favorites. Supporting the Indie industry is like supporting a small business. There are some amazingly talented Indie authors whose books are every bit as polished and professional as traditionally published ones.

Make sure your book is professionally edited.

Make sure you have a professional book cover and formatting.

Don’t steal copyrighted material from other authors.

Don’t promote idle gossip about other authors or retaliate against fellow authors with low reviews.

Don’t be a hypocrite. When you see a favorite music artist’s songs on free download (pirated copies), don’t download them. Buy them and support those artists, just as you would want to be supported in real book sales. These artists are people just like you.

Share other Indie authors’ books with your friends and family when they ask for book recommendations.

Offer great writing. Go through the channels it takes to produce great books: writing, revising, rewriting, and editing, before publishing.

Wear your Indie title proudly. Don’t let anyone convince you or label you as being “too lazy to get a real publishing deal,” or “not good enough to get a real publishing deal.”

Indie authors must have these things in place to succeed in the publishing industry:

Knowledge of the publishing process.

Great writing skills—knowledge of grammar and writing mechanics.

A tough skin to combat all the negativity.

A solid marketing plan.

A personal support system, and a professional one (editors, cover designers, etc.,).

These things help produce quality books, which strengthen the industry and keep our family looking good.

And remember, we Indie authors are not in competition with one another. We are competing against the stigma that surrounds the Indie publishing industry!

Two of my blog followers added these thoughts:

To these I add, no troll-like behavior, even if you think it’s just mild. Occasionally I find myself appalled at what indie authors post or say about others, or how they talk to others. Thanks, Traci.Stephen Geez

I think you’ve covered everything here, Traci. All good advice. The only thing I would add is, never give up. It doesn’t matter how long it takes to get your story done right, keep working at it. You are under no deadline but the one you set for yourself, if any. I don’t set deadlines. I work better that way after a lifetime of deadlines to meet before I retired from the clerical world. You’re the boss. Let’s make the Indie industry sparkle.Sharon K. Connell

Traci has offered to do a “Giveaway” of Volumes 1 & 2 of “Before You Publish” to TWO lucky winners!

*ONE unsigned paperback copy of Before You Publish– Volume I

*ONE unsigned paperback copy of Beyond The Book –Volume II

To enter, all you have to do is email me a proof of purchase of a digital copy of either of these two books during the tour.I will draw TWO winners total, at the end of the tour.Please email your proof of purchase (can be a screenshot) to tsanderspublishing@yahoo.com.GOOD LUCK!

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Lizzi Newton

After 13 years as a social worker of sorts I decided it was time to do what I had planned when I was in the fifth grade; I decided it is time to write. I have a BS in Interdisciplinary Studies from East Tennessee State University with concentrations in Psychology and Sociology. I studied Media Arts at Long Island University In Brooklyn and Guerilla Film Making at Pellissippi State University. I have a Masters Level Certification in Forensic Document Examination. My first full-length book "View From the Sixth Floor: An Oswald Tale" is available on amazon.com and my latest book "Riddle" was released on Amazon in June 2015. My third novel "Carved Wooden Heart" an erotic romance written with Starla Hartless is now available. I recently released "Stolen Gypsy", another thriller. For quicker reads try my novelettes released through Electric Eclectic Books. As a Domestic Violence survivor and thriver I am involved with local DV Support Groups. Besides writing I love to travel, enjoy photography, reading, and film.With 4 grown children and 6 grandchildren, and a great-grandson. I have led a busy life. The best is yet to come...
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After 13 years as a social worker of sorts I decided it was time to do what I had planned when I was in the fifth grade; I decided it is time to write. I have a BS in Interdisciplinary Studies from East Tennessee State University with concentrations in Psychology and Sociology. I studied Media Arts at Long Island University In Brooklyn and Guerilla Film Making at Pellissippi State University. I have a Masters Level Certification in Forensic Document Examination. My first full-length book "View From the Sixth Floor: An Oswald Tale" is available on amazon.com and my latest book "Riddle" was released on Amazon in June 2015. My third novel "Carved Wooden Heart" an erotic romance written with Starla Hartless is now available. I recently released "Stolen Gypsy", another thriller. For quicker reads try my novelettes released through Electric Eclectic Books. As a Domestic Violence survivor and thriver I am involved with local DV Support Groups. Besides writing I love to travel, enjoy photography, reading, and film.With 4 grown children and 6 grandchildren, and a great-grandson. I have led a busy life. The best is yet to come...